Welcome to the CESAR Webstie. As Sultan­ate of Oman reach higher levels of economic growth, there is bound to be pressure on the resources arising from external drivers such as new investments, and internal drivers of increased population, rural–urban migration and a grow­ing middle class with rising needs and aspirations, and the growth of industry, tourism, and settlements. These drivers will have impacts on the environment which, if un­guided, may result in severe stress. Therefore, there is a need for evolving clear policies and sound technologies to guide development activity and environ­mental protection. 

    Dr. Mahad Said Baawain

environmental studies and research at Sultan Qaboos Univer­sity. Our vision is to help various agencies of the government in their efforts to protect and maintain the nation’s pristine environmental re­sources through planned initiatives and research. We see environmental issues such as soil and water salinization; ground­water pollution; overgrazing; de­sertification; climate change and its consequences; loss of habitat; biodiversity conservation, etc. that need further study in the Sultan­ate.

CESAR has taken many steps over the years to fulfill its objectives even though it is constrained by lim­ited staff and resources. Such ac­tivities include integrated research project on mountain ecosystem; study of thermal springs; maintain­ing and regular updating of Oman Bird database; creation of a data­base on fungi and related taxa in Oman; publication of books and environment research directory; holding of environment related workshops, seminars, international conferences; providing consultan­cy and advisory services; creation of electronic group mailing sys­tem (environmentinfo@squ.edu.om), etc. CESAR has chalked out ambitious programs for the com­ing years and will keep our stake­holders involved and well wishers informed through various mecha­nisms including this website.